Protect your pipes from freezing in less than an hour with this easy DIY tutorial.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
DIY Time: 30-60 minutes
Cost: $10-30
Skill Level: Beginner
When temperatures drop below freezing, uninsulated pipes can freeze, expand, and burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. The good news? Protecting your pipes is simple, inexpensive, and takes less than an hour. Watch our quick video tutorial, then follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Watch: How to Install Pipe Insulation
Our service technician demonstrates the professional method for installing foam pipe insulation to protect your home from freeze damage.
What You’ll Need
Materials (Available at any hardware store):
- Foam pipe insulation sleeves ($2-5 per 6-foot section)
- Zip ties or electrical tape
- Star Foam outdoor faucet covers ($3-5 each)
- Old towels or extra insulation (optional)
Tools:
- Scissors (to cut insulation to length)
- Wire cutters (if using zip ties)
Total Cost: $10-30 for materials to protect an average home
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Slide Foam Insulation Over Pipe
Start with your exposed pipes. Foam pipe insulation comes pre-slit, making installation easy.
- Align the slit in the foam sleeve
- Slide it over the exposed pipe section
- Make sure the pipe is completely covered with no gaps
Pro Tip: If your insulation doesn’t come pre-slit, use scissors to cut a lengthwise slit and wrap it around the pipe.
Step 2: Secure with Zip Ties
Once the foam is in place, you need to secure it so it doesn’t shift or blow off in wind.
- Place zip ties every 12-18 inches along the pipe
- Pull snug but don’t over-tighten (foam should compress slightly)
- Trim excess zip tie length with wire cutters
Why zip ties instead of tape? Zip ties won’t lose adhesion in cold or wet weather. Tape can deteriorate and come loose, leaving your pipes exposed.
Step 3: Install Outdoor Faucet Covers
Your outdoor faucets need protection too, not just the pipes.
- Place Star Foam cover over the outdoor faucet
- Push firmly against the wall to eliminate gaps
- Ensure it’s snug and secure
Critical reminder: Remove all outdoor hoses BEFORE installing faucet covers. Hoses prevent the faucet from draining properly, which can cause freezing inside the wall.
Step 4: Add Extra Protection (Optional)
For extremely cold weather or very exposed locations, add an extra layer.
- Wrap an old towel over the foam insulation and faucet cover
- Secure the towel with additional zip ties
- This creates a wind barrier for extra protection
Where to Insulate First
Not all pipes are equally vulnerable. Focus on these high-risk areas:
Priority 1 (Most Critical):
- Outdoor faucets and hose bibs
- Pipes in unheated garages
- Exposed pipes on exterior walls
Priority 2:
- Attic plumbing
- Crawlspace pipes
- Basement pipes (if unheated)
Priority 3 (Bonus Benefits):
- Hot water lines (keeps water hotter, reduces energy costs)
- Cold water lines (prevents condensation and mold)
Why This Matters
The Problem: When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands by about 9%. This creates enormous pressure (up to 40,000 PSI) that can crack or burst the pipe.
The Cost: The average burst pipe repair costs $5,000-$10,000 when you factor in water damage to drywall, flooring, furniture, and mold remediation.
The Solution: $10-30 in foam insulation and 30-60 minutes of your time.
When to Install Pipe Insulation
Best Timing: Install in fall (October-November) before the first freeze. One-time installation lasts 3-5 years with quality materials.
Emergency Timing: If a freeze is predicted within 24 hours and you haven’t insulated yet, focus on outdoor faucets and the most exposed pipes first. Even partial insulation is better than none.
Additional Winter Prep Tips
Installing pipe insulation is just one part of protecting your home from freeze damage. Also remember to:
- Remove outdoor hoses from all faucets
- Know where your water shut-off valve is located
- Let faucets drip when temperatures drop below 28°F
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls to allow warm air circulation
- Keep your thermostat at minimum 55°F, even when away
Download our complete Winter Storm Preparation Checklist: [Link to checklist]
Common Questions
Q: Can I use regular duct tape instead of zip ties?
A: We don’t recommend it. Tape deteriorates quickly in outdoor conditions and loses adhesion in cold weather. Zip ties are more reliable and easier to replace if needed.
Q: Do I need to insulate hot water pipes?
A: While hot water pipes are less likely to freeze, insulating them provides other benefits: keeps water hotter longer, reduces energy costs by 8-10%, and minimizes wait time for hot water at fixtures.
Q: How long does foam pipe insulation last?
A: Quality foam insulation typically lasts 3-5 years. Check it annually for cracks, compression, or deterioration from sun exposure. Replace as needed.
When to Call a Professional
While installing pipe insulation is a simple DIY project, some situations require professional help:
- Pipes located inside walls or under slabs
- Heat tape or heat cable installation (requires electrical work)
- Already frozen or burst pipes
- Unsure which pipes are most vulnerable
- Want a comprehensive whole-house assessment
Dial One Johnson Plumbing is available 24/7 for emergencies:
Emergency Line: 972-914-0833
Regular Service: 972-291-0740
Serving North Texas Since 1965
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating has been helping North Texas families protect their homes through freezing weather for three generations. Our licensed technicians have the experience and expertise to handle any plumbing emergency, from frozen pipes to burst pipe repairs.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Texas Plumbing License #41416 | TACLA 0076152E
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until temperatures drop to protect your pipes. Spend an hour this weekend installing foam insulation, and you’ll have peace of mind all winter long.
Watch the video above, gather your materials, and get started. Your pipes (and your wallet) will thank you.
Already dealing with frozen pipes? Don’t attempt to thaw them yourself with torches or high heat—this can cause pipes to burst.
Have questions? Call us at 972-291-0740. Our team is here to help!